Automated Shade Control Using Radiometer Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated shade control systems are limited in effectively managing solar penetration, heat gain, and interior lighting optimization, as they often rely on uniform shading assumptions and lack comprehensive integration of sensors and algorithms to adapt to varying light conditions and building-specific factors.
Innovation Solution
An automated shade control system that employs motorized window coverings, radiometers, and visible spectrum photo sensors, along with proactive and reactive algorithms, to optimize daylighting, reduce solar heat gain, and manage brightness, incorporating geodesic coordinates, solar position, radiation levels, and veiling glare measurements for dynamic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If clear or high visible light transmitting glazing is used to maximize natural daylight penetration, then interior natural lighting is optimized, but solar heat gain and solar radiation increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic window coverings that automatically adjust their position and opacity based on real-time solar conditions, time of day, season, and interior lighting requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maximize daylight during favorable conditions while blocking solar heat gain when excessive, resolving the contradiction between light transmission and heat rejection
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical and thermal parameters of the window assembly by introducing adjustable coverings with varying transmittance properties. By modifying parameters such as covering position, opacity level, and material selection, the system optimizes both daylight penetration and solar heat gain control for different operational conditions
2Device complexity
If automated shade systems use uniform shading assumptions, then system complexity is reduced, but they fail to optimize graduated shading and local light detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the window wall into multiple zones with independent shading control, allowing different shading levels across different sections. This segmentation enables graduated shading that optimizes light distribution while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local quality by allowing different shading characteristics in different regions of the window wall based on local lighting conditions, solar exposure, and interior requirements. Each zone can be independently optimized while the overall system remains coordinated through centralized or distributed control
3Reliability
If multiple sensor types and algorithms are integrated for comprehensive solar control, then shading accuracy and energy optimization improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor types (photo sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors) and control algorithms into an integrated system that simultaneously monitors and responds to various environmental parameters. This consolidation improves shading accuracy by considering multiple factors while managing complexity through unified system architecture and coordinated control strategies
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces excessive brightness and heat gain, enhances interior lighting efficiency, and maintains comfortable conditions by dynamically adjusting window coverings based on real-time solar and environmental data, optimizing energy usage and occupant comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The automated shade control system may also contemplate the use of one or more radiometers, visible spectrum photo sensors and/or temperature sensors.
Implementation Method 2
The invention comprises one or more motorized window coverings... to optimize the interior lighting of a structure... reduction in solar heat gain; reduction in radiant surface temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
This invention generally relates to automated shade systems that employ one or more algorithms to provide appropriate solar protection from direct solar penetration; reduce solar heat gain; reduce radiant surface temperatures; control penetration of the solar ray, optimize the interior natural daylighting of a structure and optimize the efficiency of interior lighting systems. The invention additionally comprises a motorized window covering, radiometers, and a central control system that uses algorithms to optimize the interior lighting of a structure. These algorithms include information such as: geodesic coordinates of a building; solar position; solar angle solar radiation; solar penetration angles; solar intensity; the measured brightness and veiling glare across a surface; time, solar altitude, solar azimuth, detected sky conditions, ASHRAE sky models, sunrise and sunset times, surface orientations of windows, incidence angles of the sun striking windows, window covering positions, minimum BTU load and solar heat gain.